Ok, so since I am still here, I've done a bit of research. This drug: Clonazepam, has a lot said about it. One of the drawbacks I saw include an adverse reaction with paradoxical effects, drowsiness, and cognitive impairment. It says that Cognitive impairments can persist for at least six months after withdrawal of clonazepam; it is unclear whether full recovery of memory functions occurs. That doesn't sound promising....

The other drug that has been mentioned a number of times is Gabapentin.
I followed the link that DS offered, which also linked to Wikipedia. That info was disturbing to say the least. The is a copy and paste of that info:

A double blind, randomized controlled trial found gabapentin ineffective for the treatment of idiopathic subjective tinnitus.[22

Then this was offered:


Suicide
Gabapentin has been associated with an increased risk of suicidal acts or violent deaths.[29] In 2009, the FDA issued a warning of an increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in patients taking gabapentin, along with other anticonvulsant drugs[30] modifying the packaging insert to reflect this.[23] In July 2009, the manufacturer of gabapentin (Pfizer) went to trial regarding the association between gabapentin and the increased risk of suicide.[31]


So if I may ask, do you think I should take this?????
Having this problem so prevalent within me and then adding a catalyst??

I don't know, but I have a Dr. visit comming up and I want to be able to say that something is working for people with similar issues. But I don't want to aggravate this problem.

or do I?

I'm glad the radio worked for you. Sometimes the mind just needs a distraction. I eventually became used to noisemakers but the radio has variety so it seems to work better.

These are the ear plugs I use. They come with a key chain caring case so I always have them with me. They aren't super duper plugs to be used with power tools but they work well in most cases.

http://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-Protection-Earplugs-Standard/dp/B0044DEESS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312426320&sr=8-1

Do a search on here for Clonazepam and gabapentin. There have been many discussions. Clonazepam has a noticeable risk factor of addiction and abuse. It's also not known if it works long term since the body gets used to it really fast. Many people will take that or some kind of benzodiazepine during the first few months of tinnitus and then tapper off. You'll have to decide for yourself if it's something that you want to take. You might also have a hard time getting it from a GP.

If you want to start with something check out Nortriptyline.

The best advice any of us can give re: meds is to do your homework and read up on anything you are considering taking. You'll read / hear seemingly conflicting opinions / research data on all of them. Since no two people have the same T / health situation / metabolism, the meds will work differently for everyone. It's going to be trial and errror to find one that works for you. Start on a small dose of whatever you try, because it will cause fewer side effects and you can increase the dose once you know it isn't going to cause more problems than it's solving.

Unfortunately, most anti-anxiety and anti-depressant meds come with some problematic side effects, but not everyone experiences them. If you start on a med and you notice a change for the worse in your thoughts or mood, stop taking it. (Some meds require that you wean off in decreasing doses if you've been taking it for a while.) So again, do your homework.

So happy to hear that you got a good nights sleep. Maybe if we all send out sleepy Mike thoughts, you'll get a few more good zzzzz's.

Mike,

Has an ENT stated that your tinnitus might be due to ear damage, from noise, or that you have idiopathic subjective T. just wondering.?

I ask this because possibly on med or treatment might work better ifan ENT might have possibly dectected the cause of your T. already. You did stated you have had hearing tests, you have had T., for years, and that you have seen many doctors, so I am assuming that one might of been an ENT, and has possibly given you suggestions on possible causes of your T.


You did state that you read Gabapentin is noted to work well for those that have idopathic subjective tinnitus, have you been told you have that?

As aready stated, medications can cause certain unpleasant side effects, some more bothersome to some than others.

Many times the side effects that appear more problematic are fatigue, foggy brain, headache, tummy upset, dry mouth, contsipation, however many times the side effects also either become more mild, or else completely go away after your body adjusts to the medication.

Usually the side effects if not tolerable are reversable, and once a person "tappers" off, which if you are take certain meds, often you need to "taper off" unless otherwise told by your doctor, one goes back to their "normal" way they flet before.

Sometimes it takes trial and error before finding the proper medication...this is unfortunate, but then again, the only way to know is to try and see.

Yes, you might have to experience some side effects, but you have to really decide in your own mind if..(that is if you do decide on medications) your tinnitus is causing you so much distress in your life, you need to try options such as medications to live more content, and reduce the noise in your ears.

If your choice comes down to trying a med., then talk to your doctor about which med would be the "best" for you.

Tell your doctor all of your conerns, such as your depression becoming worse. If you know before taking a medication this could be a side effect, then your doctor might decide it not the best choice, or else tell you to be very aware this might happen.

Then if you become anxious, depressed, or have suicidal thoughts you will know its trigger might be due to the new med.

You should have a set PLAN if that should happen!

If you know in advance all the side effects, one being depression, and then start experiencing a "new" depression, or worse, depression than before you took the med., then you might consider the feelings are due to the medication, cope shortly better, call your doctor, and most likely discontinue the medication, this is my opinion of course.

Only an educated DOCTOR and yourself can decide if you should or should not try a certain medication.

Folks here should not really tell you if you should or should not take certain medications, only you and your doctor can make that call, not to sound mean or anything..

Don't forget this is a support group to give support and info. and our experiences.

However as stated here by others too, take a list in on the medications you have learned about from folks here,on the internet or advise from folks here of course, to your doctor.

A docotor can aide you in making a good choice, taking your age, other possilbe medical issues, and your life style into consideration.

Also, as I said, you can even ask your pharmacisit, they are very good with knowing about meds, side effects, and so on!

As far as the medications that you mentioned, they work on your central nervous system.

Clonazepam, is used for seizures as well as anxiety, treatment, and the other Gabapentin is used to reduce migraines, and neuropathy pain, as well as other disorders, most likely.

So naturally if these meds are taken, one most likely is going to experience some minor slowing down, or mild to moderate side effects, that is one of their purposes to do, that is calm down your nervous system.

I personally have not taken either. But, however know of many that have, due to I experience migraines, and have been with a good support group for pain and neuropathy.

On the most part, some say these meds truly help their "pain" others have stated the brain fog from them is not tolerable.

As far as helping T, you can check posts here, many have tired both, with good results, others have stated otherwise.

Remember, you can possibly always try some more "natural" approaches first, before taking a medication, if you choose to take that route. That is unless your doctor claims you should otherwise try a medication immediately, again that is his/her, and your call, but something you can also talk to your doctor about.

As far as changing your life style to reduce your T., now that might take much effort on your part to learn of ways to still be able to do your recording, play your music, and still be a produtive artist, and enjoy your music as you once did.

One idea is you could check into seeing how other musicians that might have noise induced tinnitus record, arrange, and play out and about, or else try different ways on your own see how they work. But for sure, turn it all down a bit, especially when you can.

It seems maybe arranging and composing would not take as much a toll on ones ears as the actual loud music itself...but then you know more about that, I am only putting in my uneducated 2 cents.

You might not have to stop what you are talented in, and enjoy, but just learn ways how to do it in a different fasion, to not cause any furhter damage to your ringing ears.

If it comes down to you truly needing to stop all your music, recording, and arranging, at which seems very unlikely, then you will have to look into what else in the "music" field you might be able to fill in that void with, or maybe even something competely different, a new hobby, interest, or such.

I know that sounds harsh, that is why I say you most likely will not have to take that path and you will be able to continue what you thrive in, are used to doing, enjoy, and also can make a little extra money doing. I know disibility is not going to make you rich, and that extra money can help you out.

It was good to hear you got some sleep, I hope that will continue for you.

Best to you
Pattylyn

Well, again I'm really stoked how much everyone is adding to this!!! How cool is that!!! Yes I have been to many Drs. MANY! My ex wife, really had a problem with this, me being imperfect that is, and made me go to Drs all the time. This is where I found out how disinterested most regular Hearing Drs can be. Even the ENTs I've been to just don't seem to be interested in dealing with me any further than the 1st hearing test. It wasn't until I accidently found Dr. Marghzar, that I finally found someone who understood the problem, and that it isn't just straight hearing loss.
Here is his website: http://www.thehearingdoctor.com/new/index.htm

On another point, I used the playing radio for the 1st time a couple nights ago, it took a couple of tries to get the volume correct so that it would be effective. Once I got that right, I slept well that night. But alas, as like everything I've tried, it works once, then the 2nd time I am immune to it. That is what always happens. If I have a headache, aspirin or Tylenol or what ever else, works the 1st time. Then, never to work again. So I am just about out of things to try. Vicodin just about killed me.

well, I'm going to work on my Truck today, I'm almost there, My project of the last 2 months. I've noticed that when I am deeply involved in something I forget that I haven't slept, or that I have a rageing noise going on. So I need to do this. I need a haircut too.....

Mike, I am relatively new to this thing. Since Nov 2010. I've read through some of your comments, not all. I know that many of us try supplements to control this thing. Most do nothing. I ask because I have been relatively successful. At least my level is livable. I take Ginko and Lip Flavinoid twice a day, Lowered my blood pressure, reduce caffeine, sugar, salt and Alcohol (the toughest), lost 15 pounds, and excercise (not much). I tried all kinds of supplements, until I settled on the 2. I still have the t, but 90 percent of the time I forget it, or its low enough to live with. It was un bearable during the first 6 months. I guess my point, some things do seem to help, keep trying, keep positive (tough) good luck.

Mike... re: your comment.. "I've noticed that when I am deeply involved in something I forget that I haven't slept, or that I have a rageing noise going on."

What you are describing here is the lovely concept of "flow" There's a great article about this on wikipedia. I encourage everyone to take a look at it, because learning to get into flow with an activity will make the T disappear for a while. It's also great for stress management, which frankly, we all need help with.

For someone like you, with really severe T, learning to control your emotions and focus your attention is going to be essential to managing the T. I don't want to hurt your feelings, but you sound a bit too wound up and angry for your own good. Yes, you have every right to be mad as hell, because your situation sucks and it isn't fair. But..... Negative emotions make T worse. So if you can learn to focus your emotions on the peaceful end of the spectrum, you'll be able to manage your symptoms better, sleep included.

Like others on this thread, I'm enjoying the conversation.

I think I do understand that. I'm not really a "mad" person, I am normally upbeat, and happy. I'm the guy with the lampshade at the party's, the last few years that have had the immense increase in my Tinnitus, have been extremely difficult for me. I know that I need to deal with it better, but I just can't. If I am 100% involved in something, and this "something" usually includes a radio or something playing moderatly loud in the background, or engines running, or something that is taking care of business. So my distraction is always including a "Masking' of sorts. I have my 1st GP visit on Tuesday..... I'm hoping that this will start a new ball rolling....
Mike

I understand... masking is essential. T never goes away. You just become unaware of it, because it recedes into the background.

Try the radio or CD player with some music you really enjoy, but have it on at a lower volume. Don't try to drown out the T sounds, just make the radio loud enough so you can hear it too. Then work at shifting your focus, so the you hear the radio first, and the T in the background.
The T is still there, but your focus is moved to the music. This was the key for me... When I stopped trying to drown out the T, and really worked at focusing my attention on the music (or other sound), I learned to stop noticing the T.

You come across as a strong-willed person, so I have no doubts about your ability to get this monster under control.

In years one and two: Suicidal Years three and four: very self motivated to do TRT -

Tried several pharmas for my T in between - always got worse not better -

Being a Christian - I couldn't do suicide - I think w/o my faith I would have done it -

It's final- suicide - and if they come up with an effective treatment - one will never know the joy of getting their life back if they are gone.

I did sound therapy -

BTW: I was locked up on suicide watch for laying on my bed asking God to die - my hsuband found out and committed me - yeah, did nothing for my T -

I came home - and suffered more - another year - and then did sound therapy - TRT - I am sure God is the reason I am still here though.

He changed my thinking - I couldn't change my thinking once it went on a downward spiral -

Hoping the best for you- I posted my story - and my process with sound therapy - the ups and downs

Hi Mike,

I think everyone on this site has suffered from depression or have had suicidal thoughts when their tinnitus first developed. I myself at times wished for death especially on days when nothing seemed to drown out the teakettle screaming sounds. My depression was so bad I started dropping a lot of weight and I was basically straving myself. It was only with the understanding of my family and the support I got on this site that I was able to pull myself out of my depression and start seeking out help. So you are not alone there are people who understand what you are going through and are willing to help you. Good luck in your search to find ways to cope and improve your tinnitus.

Hey, some really great stuff here!!! Thanks so very much for all the kindness!!! I am totally blown away...
I too, am a Christian, ups and downs there, but I am and I have a very strong faith in God. I do have a "hope" for the future. The problem there for me, is that the T, I feel, is very responsible for the shape my life is in at this point. The lack of communication on a 'normal" level is devastating, especially for an extremely extroverted person like me. This is what is so difficult to deal with. Many people, as you all are aware of, just don't want to deal with a "problem person". Happy Happy, Joy Joy.

One another note, I like the suggestion of music not to overpower the T. That is a good idea. That is what I've been doing!!! I'll try it!!!
The radio at night isn't working anymore, I had to turn it up enough to hear it, and it's to loud for the house. (at least I'm not living alone!)

Dr visit tomorrow!

Mike

Suicide? Sure, the thought occurs. But, seriously, probably not. I've been trying snake oil and other products--you do get desparate. I now have an appointment with a psychiatrist to check out an antidepressant. I'm a pill taker so it dosesn't bother me to take meds. Here's hoping my coping will grown with this assist.

Been there, almost. THANK GOD, I didn't do that. 30+ years of screamin T. But at 53 I am more successful than ever and have a great family. Get out, Get help, see a shrink if you have to. There is too much livin, out there. Take medications that are prescibed.